India, Bangladesh working on free trade agreement: Prabhu
New Delhi, Sep 28 : India and Bangladesh are already working on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), or free trade agreement (FTA), which would set an example for giving a boost to regional trade in South Asia, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Friday.
Launching a World Bank Group report on trade in South Asia, Prabhu said that during his just concluded visit to Bangladesh and talks with his counterpart there, it had been decided to set up seven border 'haats', or markets, some of which will start functioning immediately.
"During my visit to Bangladesh, I proposed that we should try to sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and we are working with our Bangladeshi counterparts to take it forward," Prabhu said.
"India and Bangladesh have agreed to upgrade trade logistics for seamless movement of cargo and we have already identified seven dual hubs, some of which will start working immediately," he said, adding that given the cultural and linguistic affinities between both countries there is immense potential for trade and cooperation.
Prabhu said the Bangladesh Trade Minister along with a delegation has been invited to visit India in October to discuss the trade and investment potential between the two countries.
The Minister also said India and Sri Lanka are "working closely together" to finalise a free trade agreement.
"We are happy to develop trade with other countries in South Asia. Development of South Asia is hindered by lack of intra-regional trade and integration," he said.
The World Bank report - "A Glass Half Full: The Promise of Regional Trade in South Asia" - says India's trade with South Asia at around $19 billion is only 3 per cent of its global trade worth $ 637 billion.
The report also points out that current trade between India and Pakistan at a paltry $2 billion annually, could go up to $37 billion in the absence of artificial barriers.
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UP: Govt hospital staff booked for sexually assaulting woman in pretext of ultrasound test
Gorakhpur (PTI): A hospital employee was booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in the pretext of an ultrasound test here in the district women's hospital, police said on Saturday.
According to the complaint, the woman, a resident of the Gulriha area, visited the district women's hospital on Thursday morning for an ultrasound test.
She was directed to a room, where Abhimanyu Gupta was conducting ultrasounds. When her turn came, the accused allegedly stared at her and told her to remove all her clothes, claiming it was necessary for the test and that a massage would also be required, she said.
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The woman alleged that once she complied, the accused began making obscene advances and tried to force himself on her. When she screamed, he allegedly gagged her, abused her and threatened to kill her before pushing her out of the room.
She said her complaints within the hospital went unheard, forcing her to approach the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the hospital administration constituted a three-member inquiry committee, officials said.
Senior consultant (paediatrics) Dr Jay Kumar said, "The woman has levelled serious allegations against a staff member. Senior officials have been informed, and a departmental inquiry is underway. Strict action will be taken if the charges are proved."
Kotwali Station House Officer Chatrapal Singh said a case has been registered, and efforts are on to nab the accused.
